This is a question for "car smart" guys!?

My Chevy truck (2002, 2500) just goes 'dead' after it sits for a day or two. It isn't the alternator (new). So long as I am driving it, it is okay. If it sits for a day or two, the battery (new) goes dead! Obviously, there is a 'drain' on the battery when the truck is sitting.

What's your best guess on this problem?

How do I check for a problem?

If I cannot figure it out myself...what do I do? Everywhere I have taken the truck wants to replace either/both the alternator and/or battery. Both are new. It is definitely a 'drain' on the electrical system.

HELP!

Anonymous2011-11-05T18:08:38Z

Favorite Answer

Sometimes different things like car security systems or sound systems can drain alot. There could be a short somewhere or another as well.

One easy thing is to just unhook the battery when you arent using the vehicle any time soon. Not only does this prevent fires, but it also should save your battery

i dont know specifically what could be wrong with your vehicle, but the unhooking thing will help you by not killing the battery and all.

G man2011-11-05T18:12:15Z

Hi There,

Disconnect the battery and reconnect after a few days to see if it will start the vehicle, new batteries require a good charge to keep them topped up, a good battery only absorbs around 10amp per hour when charging from your engine alternator, if your driving the vehicle for 1 hour then its possible the half charge battery may not be fully charged.

If all is well when you reconnect then there is something draining the system, check all internal components, door lights etc.

Main components that drain batteries are faulty alternators and starters, you may wish to use a vehicle electrician to check the units on the vehicle or test accordingly to find which one may be a fault.

Good luck.

Anonymous2011-11-05T18:18:32Z

Google "parasitic battery drain" for troubleshooting directions.